Transcript Highlights:

• Because I believe we provide some services that are not required by the federal government.
• 57.400><c> be</c><00:01:57.480><c> more</c> The legislature has passed some services that are not required
• </c><00:02:18.560><c> by</c><00:02:18.680><c> the</c><00:02:18.760><c> federal</c> are not required by
• /c><00:02:21.840><c> that</c><00:02:22.000><c> are</c><00:02:22.040><c> not</c><00:02:22.360><c> required
• ,</c> some services that are not required, some services that are not required, correct?

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 16 March, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill requires technology courses to provide students with an understanding of computer science through
• The bill requires technology courses to provide students with an understanding of computer science through
• The high school computer science course provision does not require such courses to include instruction
• The high school computer science course provision does not require such courses to include instruction
• Right now, the overall general education requirements are 36 credit hours in those specific fields, so

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary considered several items. First, it took up SB 1694 on technology education, which would revise postsecondary general education standards to incorporate technology-related instruction, including computer science and artificial intelligence concepts. An amendment was adopted that shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core requirement and instead required technology-integrated core courses to include digital literacy, AI applications, and related topics such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity where applicable. The amendment also added guidance for high school computer science courses that include AI, emphasizing critical evaluation, limitations, and ethical use. After brief discussion, the committee voted to report CS for SB 1694 favorably. The committee then approved confirmation of the appointments on Tabs 1 through 2 by a single favorable vote. Next, it considered SPB 7038, a proposed committee bill on postsecondary education and workforce development covering tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Senator Berman asked about changes to CIE licensure/jurisdiction and dual enrollment expansion; the sponsor said the bill affects institutions rather than individual courses and is intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment or funding needs. A Florida Dental Association representative testified in information only, urging preservation of the existing exemption for dental assisting programs from CIE oversight. The committee adopted a motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill and then reported SPB 7038 favorably. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:59:12.960><c> certain</c> because there is a requirement certain because there is a requirement
• </c> amendments add back in requirements amendments add back in requirements related<01:53:19.760><c>
• </c><02:11:06.480><c> education</c> requires state department of education requires state department
• </c><02:20:49.359><c> notice</c> They clarify that the required notice They clarify that the required
• Uh the bill requires period.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> requires universal and dyslexia requires universal and dyslexia screeners<00:26:14.799><c> at</c><
• This bill satisfies that requirement.
• requirement requirement if<00:58:09.040><c> it</c><00:58:09.440><c> as</c><00:58:09.760><c> written<
• . required. required.
• For me, it's really like requirements.

Bills: HB0023 , HB0024 , HB0025

Committee: House Education

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:52.199><c> firearm</c> principles thanks to required firearm principles thanks to required
• </c> zoning ordinances or they may require zoning ordinances or they may require permits<01:42:12.520
• </c> counties 64 reported that they require counties 64 reported that they require new<01:47:47.960><
• I guess I have one question for the presenter: if the DNR is required to map or required to identify
• it is required to fulfill.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House clerk attested to the required copies.
• Why are we making that change and requiring them to put it on the ballot?
• It's not required of us. We have another methodology to do that.
• It also requires— And a new prison.
• The Attorney General's Office is requiring what? Representative Hart-Lowman. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is required.
• There is no requirement that we do this here today.
• I would love No requirement that we do this here today.
• We're required—I'm required because of the covenant that I, who I'm in covenant with, is I live for day
• So let me just say it like this: I'm required to act justly. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituted with House Bill 1D, both establishing Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Senator Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a proposed redistricting plan on short notice and argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based provisions in the Fair Districts Amendment are unconstitutional. He repeatedly said the Legislature was not being asked to prove the Governor’s legal theory, only to consider the proposal, and noted that no amendments were offered. A lengthy question-and-answer period followed, with senators raising concerns about the rushed process, lack of statewide public hearings, and the map’s effects on minority communities, compactness, communities of interest, and partisan fairness. Senators questioned whether the map cracked Latino and Black communities, whether partisan data was used, whether the Governor’s office had outside consultants, and whether the plan complied with the Florida Constitution, the Fair Districts Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act. Gates generally deferred on legal conclusions, said the Governor’s representatives had testified the map was race-neutral and used political data only as one factor, and emphasized that any constitutional challenge would be for the courts. After a motion to temporarily postpone failed by a recorded vote of 12 yeas to 23 nays, the Senate continued debate. Senators Rouson, Bernard, and others spoke in opposition, arguing the proposal was rushed, partisan, and harmful to communities of interest and minority voting power. Gates maintained that the Governor had a constitutional prerogative to propose the map and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The House companion bill was then substituted for the Senate bill, read a third time, and the chamber moved into final debate on the congressional redistricting plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would require DOE to automatically give all student data to the Blanco Center.
• Fund, which requires to have a group.
• We're not going to take away any of those functions or federal requirements.
• It will be because nobody at the school district was required to prove otherwise.
• It is a system that requires families to be lawyers. Most of us are not.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard HB 690 by Rep. Amedee, which would prohibit education agencies and vendors from contracting with foreign adversaries, foreign terrorist organizations, or their agents, and would apply to education service providers, vendors of educational products, and some schools. Supporters argued the bill would protect school tax dollars and prevent foreign influence, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, citing similar actions in Florida and Texas. Some members raised questions about due process, how ineligibility would be determined, and whether payments would stop before appeals were resolved. A technical amendment changing “terrorists” to “terrorist” was adopted, and HB 690 was reported as amended without objection. The committee then took up HB 1078 by Rep. Freiberg, which would allow higher education institutions to offer standalone online courses, not just online programs tied to a degree, and to offer online programs even when there is no equivalent on-campus program. LSU officials said the bill would give flexibility for professional and workforce-related courses and certificates. Members asked about tuition-setting, prerequisites, and whether non-degree students could enroll. The bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 113 by Rep. Phelps, which sought retroactive application of the uniform 10-point grading scale to students who were ninth graders in 2023-2024, drew significant concern. Members questioned fairness, inconsistency if only some districts could recalculate grades, and the fiscal impact of retroactivity. Phelps said he had intended to capture that cohort and was willing to work with the Department of Education, but after debate the committee voted 2-9 against reporting the bill, so the motion failed. The committee also heard HB 632 by Rep. Spell on LA FIRST data sharing. The bill would streamline how student data is shared for the state’s longitudinal data system, and amendments were adopted to remove a five-year look-back and clarify data matching and de-identification. Members debated privacy, opt-out rights, and whether the bill should require or merely allow districts to participate; concerns were raised about sharing personally identifying information and the lack of clear opt-out protections. Rep. Carlson offered an amendment to change “shall” to “may,” but later withdrew it so the bill could be deferred for further discussion. Finally, HB 1132 by Rep. Carver, carried by Rep. Carlson, was introduced to expand lab school authorization within the University of Louisiana system; an amendment was offered to limit the change to new schools established after August 1, and discussion began on that amendment as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The eligibility requirements for the program have not changed, and many of the other requirements for
• The eligibility requirements for the program have not changed, and many of the other requirements for
• There are work requirements, so people are required to work when they're on the program.
• And that was a federal requirement that came with the program.
• And then we are also looking at our work requirements and how we support individuals that are required

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.

Transcript Highlights:

• audits to be done annually require audits to be done annually instead<00:21:38.400><c> of</c><00:21:
• I don't think they'll all be able to continue that if they're now required to do a $2,500 audit every
• instead of the bi-annual audit requirement.
• instead of the bi-annual audit requirement.
• </c> audit which is already required audit which is already required bi-annually.<00:26:17.920><c> So

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:44.960><c> uh</c> committee hearing that requires uh committee hearing that requires uh restrictive
• </c> offenders requesting or requiring offenders requesting or requiring protection<00:24:10.159><c>
• </c><00:32:12.320><c> higher</c> characteristics that may require higher characteristics that may require
• </c> are old and antiquated and they require are old and antiquated and they require huge<00:52:05.119
• <00:52:08.880><c> somewhere</c> old triplec alone requires somewhere old triplec alone requires somewhere

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , but state requirements as well.
• Ones I know for nonverbal children, ECECD would require would be like...
• So if they require all of these other things, they would be placed at a different level.
• There's at some point there are positions that don't require a social work degree.
• Secretary: Madam Chair, Senator Trujillo, I don't think it, it does not require it.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires them to develop this contract. with the employees.
• and cut off critical stakeholder feedback that a monumental task requires.
• , it also requires rigorous accountability.
• We don't require homework. Teachers are allowed to give homework, but it's not required.
• The bill does not impose any new review requirements.

Bills: SB451 , SB762 , SB1490 , SB1262 , SB1459 , SB1750 , SB1962 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2365

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:34.960><c> uh</c> Um, there's a bill uh that requires uh Um, there's a bill uh that requires
• A bill that would require disclosure of franchise tax information.
• Um I I think I'll state requires this.
• So if a but a return requirement.
• </c><00:53:21.440><c> Certain</c> the filing requirement is. Certain the filing requirement is.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• hhfc to work in conjunction requires hhfc to work in conjunction with<00:10:41.040><c> the</c><00:10
• </c> from the revolving fund and requires from the revolving fund and requires annual<00:15:40.399><c
• Okay, we'll move next to Senate Bill 612 relating to rent-to-build equity, which requires developers
• build equity which requires developers build equity which requires developers of<00:16:09.959><c> housing
• It requires HPHA to notify the known owner of the abandoned or seized property and creates procedures

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> sequencing requirements. sequencing requirements.
• requires requires serious<02:48:10.520><c> scrutiny.
• Minimum wage requirements.
• Minimum<04:38:28.600><c> wage</c><04:38:29.160><c> requirements.</c> Minimum wage requirements.
• Minimum wage requirements.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There you get a 10% credit if you are required to purchase certain pollution control devices to comply
• It removes the 45-day revocation requirement for a second-time DUI offender before eligibility for a
• The Senate amended the bill to stipulate that a law enforcement agency or crime lab is not required to
• Additionally, the Senate amended the bill to add new advertising and packaging requirements.
• The Senate amendment requires a retailer to keep all kratom products behind the counter.

Summary: The meeting began with a JLBC presentation on the state budget proposal. Staff reviewed revenue changes from the April forecast, which lowered expected growth slightly, and then walked through major tax policy provisions. Those included full conformity with HR1 for the current tax year, a shift to the provisions of SB 1106 for future tax years, new deductions for retirement/pension distributions and Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent credit, and a child and dependent care subtraction. Staff said the tax changes had an overall fiscal impact of about $1.4 billion over four years. They also described offsets from repealing several tax credits and exemptions, including solar-related tax breaks, a renewable energy production credit, a new employment tax credit, a refundable R&D credit for smaller employers, and a pollution-control device credit, totaling about $75 million in added revenue. Another budget item would redirect Arizona Commerce Authority Competes Fund lottery distributions to the general fund. Members asked questions about the budget’s effect on ACCESS eligibility checks, state employee health insurance funding, and cuts to one-time funding for area agencies on aging and Alzheimer’s programs. The committee then moved to caucus items on several bills. HB 2249, as amended by the Senate, would expand the parents’ bill of rights to include access to a child’s complete educational record and notice if school staff facilitate social transitioning, and would require investigation of prior violations; the sponsor concurred with the amendment. HB 2035 would require DCS and courts to identify and consider extended family for kinship foster care placement, with Senate changes shortening a reporting deadline and adding adopted family members to the definition. HB 2170 would bar state contracts for electronic or IT goods with PRC-controlled companies, with a certification requirement added in the Senate. HB 2573 would remove a waiting period for ignition interlock restricted licenses after DUI revocation and adjust psychotherapy language. HB 2415 on kratom would classify synthetic kratom as a narcotic drug and add advertising, packaging, and retail restrictions, but the sponsor intended to refuse the Senate changes. HB 2873 would let local petition sponsors withdraw municipal referendum petitions retroactively, which members noted could affect the Marana data center petition effort. The final bill discussed, SB 1798, would create a Financial Aid Awareness Program in the Department of Education to recognize schools that support FAFSA completion. Members questioned whether the department would need additional staff or resources, but no fiscal note had been provided. The meeting ended with recognition of interns and a brief photo opportunity before the caucus moved into closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was more of a thought, probably, than a requirement. It caught my mind.
• House Bill 2997 does not increase fees or require any appropriations or taxes.
• House Bill 2997 does not increase fees or require any appropriations or taxes.
• to be called or not required to be called?
• to be called or not required to be called?

Bills: HB2053 , HB2123 , HB2603 , HB2979 , HB2997 , HB3148 , HB3982 , HB4058 , HB4108 , HB4143 , HB4266

Committee: Senate Aeronautics and Transportation

Keywords: outdoor advertising, transportation, state law, commercial activities, sign regulations, urban areas, turnpike, infrastructure, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, construction, bridges, motor carriers, public safety, enforcement, Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, transition period, roadside investigation, motor vehicle laws, HB2979

Summary: The Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee heard two executive nominations first and advanced both unanimously. Tim Gatz was nominated to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Transportation, with supportive remarks from Senator Paxton and Senator Guthrie about his responsiveness and long service; the committee voted 12-0 to advance him. Justin Blake Wilson was nominated to the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Commission, introduced by Senator Howard as a banker and entrepreneur interested in public service; he also advanced 12-0. The committee then considered several transportation and motor vehicle bills. House Bill 3982 would give certain commercial fleets a 90-day temporary tag and allow nonresidents 60 days to title and license vehicles in another state; it advanced 12-0. House Bill 2123, a backup measure related to a Tulsa/Jenks/Bixby Arkansas River bridge project aimed at easing congestion and improving safety, also advanced 12-0. House Bill 2979 would allow ODOT to establish school zones on portions of state highways at local request, with ODOT identifying 14 qualifying locations and an estimated cost of $266,000; it passed 12-0. House Bill 2997, a consumer protection bill targeting bait-and-switch practices in retail motor vehicle sales and increasing enforcement staffing, advanced on a 10-2 vote after discussion of raising the maximum fine from $1,000 to $10,000. Other measures approved included House Bill 3148, allowing licensed new and used motor vehicle dealers to perform their own VIN inspections, which passed 12-0; House Bill 4108, adding airport operational areas to the list of critical infrastructure and prohibiting trespass there, which passed 12-0; House Bill 4143, raising the damage threshold for a required written collision report from $300 to $3,000 and allowing no report when parties exchange information, which passed 11-1 amid concerns about fault and insurance verification; House Bill 4266, the omnibus license plate bill, which passed 12-0 with a zero fiscal impact noted; House Bill 2053, clarifying outdoor advertising rules for playgrounds and planned unit developments, which passed 12-0; and House Bill 4058, allowing optional blood type information on driver licenses and ID cards to aid first responders and blood supply efforts, which passed 11-0. The chair closed by thanking members and staff, noting it was likely the committee’s final meeting and his last as chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also allows health plans to require patients Substitute in the prescription.
• It also allows health plans to require patients to try a generic or biosimilar when it is available at
• It requires insurers to report how often these substitutes actually reduce ...patients' out-of-pocket
• The amendments outlined in the analysis do include a requirement for health plans to give patients and
• And requiring these extra steps does not...” “...the same.

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee heard SB 1094 by Senator Weber Pearson, which would expand pharmacist and health plan authority to substitute biosimilars for reference biologic drugs in order to lower prescription drug costs. The author and supporters, including Blue Shield of California, Sharp HealthCare, and several business and health groups, argued that biologics are a major driver of rising health care spending and that biosimilars can provide substantial savings while maintaining safety and efficacy. The bill also included transparency provisions and committee amendments, including notice requirements and clarifications around substitution and exceptions. Opposition came from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the California Rheumatology Alliance, and Biocom, who said the bill was not scientifically justified, could undermine FDA standards, and might lead to unwanted switching, side effects, or delays in care for patients with chronic conditions. They emphasized that pharmacists can already substitute interchangeable biosimilars and that non-interchangeable products can be changed with prescriber contact. Committee discussion focused on patient safety, the meaning of “do not substitute,” the 30-day notice provisions, and the distinction between biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars. After debate, the committee adopted a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Health Committee. The bill passed the committee on a 10-0 roll call vote and was sent onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it puts a framework in place to reduce the burden of requiring a prior authorization from insurers
• </c><00:04:10.319><c> a</c><00:04:10.480><c> prior</c> burden of requiring a prior burden of requiring
• Importantly, we feel like the credential and training requirements for speech-language pathology and
• Importantly, we feel like the credential and training requirements for speech-language pathology and
• the council to develop slot and requires the council to develop and<00:10:29.519><c> distribute</c><

Keywords: Due to a technical issue, the first part of the meeting did not stream live. This reupload restores that portion, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four House bills, adjusting the order to accommodate members’ schedules. House Bill 510, on organ donation procedures, would require health care providers involved in organ procurement to pause the process if any signs of life are observed and restart the process if needed. The bill was presented as a consensus measure, received no opposition, and passed with favorable expression by unanimous vote and consent. House Bill 176 would create a framework for insurers to implement a waiver program reducing prior authorization requirements before care is provided. The sponsor said the language had been worked out with insurers to cut red tape and improve transparency. The committee approved the bill unanimously with favorable expression and then consent. House Bill 266 would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund eligibility list. Testimony emphasized that these professions are essential to patient care across the lifespan and meet the fund’s training and licensure standards. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 393 concerned Alzheimer’s-related statutory cleanup, adding a caregiver council seat and requiring the council to develop and distribute an early detection and diagnosis toolkit for health care providers. The bill was supported as a way to improve Alzheimer’s awareness and care, with one senator explaining a yes vote in memory of a parent who had Alzheimer’s. It also passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent. The chair announced the next committee meeting would be Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 a.m.